GDA embarks on green drive, 31,000 saplings planted

On the first day, the Ghaziabad Development Authority  planted a total of 31,000 saplings of trees in various nooks of the city including trans-Hindon area. 

The drive was launched at the city forest on the banks of Hindon river where the GDA officials, members of <g data-gr-id="37">civil</g> defence and Paryavaran Sachetak Dal planted 3,000 trees. 

“The city forest has emerged as the city’s lungs ... It will be developed as the main picnic spot,” acting vice chairman of GDA <g data-gr-id="38">Ravendra</g> Madhukar Godbole said.

Last week, the authority had announced massive plantation drive. The authority announced to plant more than 2.6 lakh trees in various nooks with nearly 31,000 saplings to plant every day. 

The authority had also appealed people to participate in the drive by planting trees in their locality. 

“Deforestation can be stopped only when people are motivated to oppose unnecessary tree-felling and encouraged to plant saplings periodically. This is the only way to conserve the green cover and forests. The authority, in order to increase buffer zone, will take all possible measures,”Vijay Kumar Yadav, Vice-Chairman of the GDA had said.

The V-C had said that the authority has planted nearly five lakh saplings in last five years and the target have been doubled this time.

 The concerned department after conducting a detailed survey of the area and meeting with the RWA people and social organisations has identified dozens of <g data-gr-id="40">laces</g> where plantation will take place.

 “We have invited locals to participate in the drive and help in suggesting locations for plantation. If residents demand samplings for <g data-gr-id="35">planing</g> in and around their houses, GDA will give then free of cost,” Yadav had added.